Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Colombia Prosperity Fund and the Department for International Trade, is organising a “Trade and Investment Opportunities in Colombia” event on 25th February 2019.

This is an excellent opportunity to obtain a complete overview of the Colombian opportunities, which covers a wide range of projects in several sectors including rail, agriculture, airports, infrastructure, security & defence, healthcare among others, often financed through public private partnerships.

Why Colombia?

Colombia is South America’s fourth largest economy with a population of 49 million people in 2018, with stable economic growth, democratic governance and a trade platform with over 16 Trade Agreements making Colombia an attractive location for UK companies.

In 2017, Colombia’s GDP was USD 309.19 billion (GDP at PP USD 712.5 billion), roughly one ninth the size of the British economy, and it has enjoyed and average Annual Growth Rate of 3.95% from 2001 until 2018, one of the highest in the region. Colombia has been highlighted by the World Bank as a ‘top reformer’ several years and as the top country in Latin America and the Caribbean for investor protection. In 2018, Colombia positioned itself as the fourth friendliest destination in Latin America to do business and was part of the top 30 destinations for Foreign Direct Investments.

Many UK businesses are choosing Colombia including bigger companies such as Virgin, BT or Shell, as well as some small and medium sized companies. Join us during this event to find out about the opportunities in the market and hear from one of our companies successfully trading with Colombia.

Draft Agenda*:

8:30 – 9:10: Registration & Coffee

9:10 – 9:25: Welcome words from Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce & Brief Overview of North West Region trade with Colombia (Susana Cordoba, Head of International Trade at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce)

9:25 – 9:45: Presentation/Colombia Perspective (Greg Houston, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Colombia)

The below speakers are available for one-to-one meetings from 12:30pm to 3pm, please select who you would like to book a meeting with and the time in the registration form.

Carlos Olano, DIT

The Department for International Trade provides trade and investment services and practical support. They help UK companies succeed in Colombia and Colombian companies set up and invest in the UK.

Paula Espina, ProColombia

ProColombia is the institution in charge of the commercial promotion of non-traditional exports, international tourism and foreign investment in Colombia.

Lucia Rojas, Colombia Prosperity Fund

The UK Prosperity Fund for Colombia is designed to support economic development, unlock economic opportunities and drive growth in the country’s post conflict and conflict-affected regions.

Amy Cawley, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

We are the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK with the best business advice, opinion, news and expertise in Greater Manchester and further afield. Members of our award-winning International Trade Team will be available to discuss how we can help your business with your international trade strategy and export documentation services.

Who should attend this event?

Companies who are looking to do business in Colombia. Please note that exporters and companies interested in expansion will be given priority over service providers.

Service provider’s registrations will be confirmed a week before the event.

Costs:This event is free of charge, but registration is required.

Workshop on working with partners in Colombia

The British Embassy in Colombia and EY would like to invite you to participate in a workshop that will provide information on legal and practical considerations when engaging with Colombian partners and distributors. The workshop is meant to help UK businesses enter the Colombian market by working together with local businesses.

In case you are no longer able to attend this event, please note you must cancel your place at least 5 working days before the event. The cancellation must be in writing and sent toexportbritain@gmchamber.co.ukindicating the event you are cancelling for and delegate(s) details. Failure to do so will incur an cancellation fee as follows: £10+VAT for members and £15+VAT for non-members.

Disclaimer

Registration is subject to availability and registration details will be shared with event's partners.

Please note: There may be photographs taken at our events that will be used for marketing purposes and on our social media channels. If you do not wish to appear in any of our marketing materials or on our social media channels, please inform a member of the Chamber team at the start of the event.